Huron Animal Control officer Bob Trick made his annual report to Goderich Council this week.
Trick says there have been more sick raccoons than usual this year and cautioned everyone to stay away from a sick animal. He points out that any wild animal should be afraid of people, so if you encounter one that isn't, it's probably not a healthy animal.
Trick says he had four reports of bears in the Goderich-area in the last year, and a total of over 30 in the areas he covers. The last one was in late October, which he says is a pretty good indication that bear is wintering in Huron County.
He had a few simple suggestions, such as don't leave garbage around and clean up after barbecuing because bears have an excellent sense of smell. If there's any food around they'll come looking for it, he added.
Trick says he continues to get reports of cougar sightings, including three different ones in Goderich, but he hasn't been able to confirm any of them. He adds he wouldn't be surprised if they are in Huron County.
